Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling for a comprehensive national flood management plan and a full accounting of government funds spent on flood-control projects as heavy monsoon rains continue to cause flooding in several parts of the country.
Pangilinan said the recurring floods should prompt the government to move beyond emergency response and adopt a coordinated, long-term approach to flood management.
The enhanced southwest monsoon has caused flooding in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces over the past week, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and disrupting classes, work, transportation and business activities.
“Hindi dapat normal ang baha. Hindi dapat natatakot at nangangamba ang ating mga kababayan tuwing umuulan. Pare-parehas ang nakikita nating eksena tuwing umuulan—binabahang mga kalsada, baha na pumapasok sa mga bahay at mga eskwelahan, mga pamilyang kailangang lumikas,” Pangilinan said.
He said flooding also affects people’s livelihoods and daily activities, with students unable to attend classes, businesses unable to operate and workers unable to report to work.
Pangilinan said the government should develop a national flood management strategy instead of relying heavily on disaster response whenever flooding occurs.
He called for flood-control projects and plans to be coordinated across different areas to address flooding more effectively.
Amid controversies surrounding flood-control projects, Pangilinan also sought a complete accounting of public funds allocated for such projects.
He said the government should disclose the projects funded, their locations, costs, contractors, implementation status and actual results on the ground.
He said a national flood management plan should be preventive, science-based and transparent, with measures designed to provide long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
The senator also said the plan should account for future risks linked to climate change and other environmental concerns.
His call comes as flooding continues to affect communities during periods of heavy rainfall, renewing scrutiny of the country’s flood-control infrastructure and government spending on projects intended to reduce flood risks.
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